If you have followed us for a while, you know we love wandering around France in our van, and more recently across Europe. Recently we took the road to Italy for a memorable Puglia road trip. If you do not know this region yet, now is the time to discover it. It is both authentic and surprising. It offers a very rich heritage, varied landscapes and, of course, the tasty cooking Italy is known for. We will share our experience, our discoveries and our tips for a successful stay in this region full of charm. So fasten your seatbelts, we are off for an unforgettable trip around Puglia!
Article updated in 2025: Puglia itinerary, tips and logistics
Sommaire
Going on a Puglia road trip: the essentials
Puglia road trip itinerary in 7 days: the short version
- Duration: 7 days
- Total distance: ~450 km
- Starting point: Bari
- Main stops: Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli
- Hire car recommended
- Best time to go: April to June, September to October
Who is it for, and why?
A van trip through Puglia lets you discover many sides of this fascinating Italian region, which is more and more popular. This adventure suits a wide range of travellers. Based on our own experience and preferences, I would say that people who want a chilled holiday (beaches, walks, rest) or a cultural one (visiting monuments, diving into history) will be won over.
We loved discovering Puglia, wandering through the small villages and admiring the very particular architecture. But we ended up missing nature and “real” hikes a little. We had already spent a few days travelling around Italy, with quite a lot of sightseeing between Florence and Rome. Luckily we finished in the Gargano National Park, which gave us a beautiful green setting again.
The symbol “🌿” marks the nature stops in the day-by-day description.
If you are passionate about history and cultural sites, Puglia is a real treasure for you. From Bari, with its lively atmosphere and ancient charm, to Lecce, nicknamed the Florence of the South for its refined baroque architecture, every city is full of history. Not to forget Matera, famous for its cave dwellings, and Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The symbol “🏛️” marks the cultural stops in the day-by-day description.
For lazing about and beach time, it is hard to do better. Between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea, Puglia offers an impressive variety of landscapes. You can find white sand beaches with turquoise water, secluded coves and wild bays. But note that in high season some beaches are private, with an entrance fee for a sun lounger or parasol.
The essential stops of this Puglia road trip
We visited many villages and towns. We did more than usual, because the weather was not on our side. So we had to give up lazy beach moments and shorten the walks. It made the trip a little more complicated. But it means we can give you feedback on almost every “must-visit” destination in Puglia. From our point of view, our selection of essential stops on this Puglia road trip is:
- Polignano a Mare: the village perched on the cliffs has a stunning view over the Adriatic Sea. It is a perfect place for a picnic or a swim.
- Alberobello: known for its “trulli”, stone houses with conical roofs, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lecce: nicknamed the “Florence of the South”, it is famous for its many baroque buildings.
- Gallipoli: a town full of charm, with its old town on an island and its lively fish market.
- Gargano National Park: the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Between the Foresta Umbra, Monte Sant’Angelo and the magnificent coasts, it is a stop not to be missed.
- Vieste: a charming seaside village, perfect for strolling and enjoying local food.
In the day-by-day description you will find the symbol “⭐”, which marks the essential stops. These places left a mark on our Puglia road trip. They are an excellent base if you want to discover this beautiful region and build your own route.
The small disappointments of our Puglia itinerary
Our Puglia road trip was fantastic overall. But there were a few disappointments along the way, and it matters to share them with you for a complete picture. First, Taranto was a small letdown. The modern city is pleasant, but we found the old town rather run down. We felt a lack of renovation effort to preserve the historic heritage, and we did not feel very comfortable wandering through its lanes. Then, as nature lovers, we enjoyed the charming little villages but regretted not seeing more “wow” landscapes.
One of the points that really disappointed us was general cleanliness. We were surprised and saddened by the amount of rubbish we found by the roadside and in some natural places. It comes up often in the comments on van spots, and I imagine it must be very hard in high season. It tarnishes the picture of a region that has so much to offer.
Also, some views amazed us, like the Gargano park and the stretch of road from Gallipoli to Matera. But the landscape as a whole was not as picturesque as we had hoped. We crossed long, rather monotonous stretches of land that lacked the charm we expected from Italy.
These disappointments do not ruin the whole experience. Puglia remains a fantastic destination for a road trip, with many extraordinary moments. But they are useful to keep in mind so you can set your expectations and plan your trip better.
Puglia road trip by van: pros and cons
Travelling by van through Puglia gives you incomparable freedom and flexibility. You explore this magnificent Italian region at your own pace. It brings several major advantages.
Great places to sleep, with a few downsides
The first one? The places to sleep! If you like nature van spots, there is plenty to choose from. Even better, there are spots by the water, where you enjoy the sound of the waves and a stunning view. We had no trouble finding nice places to sleep.
The only downside is dirt, which comes up often in the comments on Park4Night, the app we use to find our spots. And we were there in mid-May, so the full season had not started yet. Don’t worry, we had nice places. But in general you cannot be too picky.
Safety when sleeping in a van
On safety, we had only one unpleasant experience. Of course it was the night we arrived in Puglia after 6 hours of driving (and after a good day of walking in Rome). To keep it very short, we were looking for a spot around Barletta (north of Bari) at 11pm. At that hour you are no longer demanding and just want to stop and sleep. Most of the reviews I saw for spots in the area were rather disturbing. When it is one spot, you can say it is bad luck. When it is several, it becomes really strange.
So we looked for places a bit apart, out in the countryside. We had barely parked when 2, then 3 cars arrived. There was no action against us and no exchange. But we quickly felt the atmosphere was strange. Translation: men alone in their cars at 11pm in the middle of nowhere, looking at each other and waiting… that does not feel right.
Another spot 10 minutes later gave us the same (bad) surprise. Luckily, by moving a little further away, we found a place to sleep peacefully.
We first wanted to spend our last night at Lago di Varano. But we saw many comments complaining of break-ins and insecurity there, so we preferred to keep going and start heading back north.
A great region for a road trip, but really bad roads!
The landscape of Puglia is varied and picturesque, and travelling by van lets you admire these views in 360 degrees. You may drive along jagged coasts lined with crystal-clear water, or cross olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. Either way, the journeys are rather pleasant.
The geography of Puglia also makes the region ideal for a van trip. Towns and places of interest are relatively close to each other. That reduces long drives and makes the most of your time at each place.
On the other hand, the roads are not Swiss standard… They are not very well maintained, and on some stretches there are many potholes and quite a lot of instability. It is not dramatic, but over several hours of driving it is not always pleasant.
Flexibility
Finally, travelling by van in Puglia lets you adapt your itinerary to what you feel like doing. If you fall in love with a small town like Ostuni or Alberobello, nothing stops you staying a few more days. Likewise, if the weather is poor on the coast, you can always go and explore the inland areas.
Puglia with a dog
If you also take your favourite fluffy companion everywhere, you know some destinations do not always welcome our furry friends. During these two weeks in Italy we found the country really “dog friendly” in general, and so were its people.
Puglia is also rather welcoming to dogs. Many beaches seem to accept dogs (we hardly enjoyed the beaches because of the disastrous weather). The exceptions are the most popular and smallest ones, like the beach at Polignano a Mare.
Tourist sites, museums and churches do not accept dogs, of course. But restaurants, accommodation and so on are generally very welcoming. Note that we have a big dog. So if it works with Rhéa, unless yours is mammoth-sized, it should work for other dogs too.
Note: unlike in France, there are no dog waste bag dispensers. Remember to stock up, even if there are a few pet shops.
Puglia road trip budget
Food
It is always interesting to note that before a trip we often have preconceptions about the budget needed. Frankly, we thought prices in Puglia would be fairly modest and more affordable than in France, and Cyril was even looking forward to eating pizza every day. However, we were surprised to find that restaurant prices were quite high, similar to what we get in the south of France (and we were out of season).
Count about €15 to €20 per person in a restaurant. Most restaurants charge a cover fee, which covers bread and table service. It added about €2 per person during our stay.
That said, if you choose takeaway, like a slice of focaccia or a slice of pizza, you can get by with a very reasonable meal budget, between €2 and €3 for example. Ice creams, another Italian speciality, are generally cheaper.
For groceries, prices are on average similar to what you would find in France. You will easily find Lidl and Eurospin shops almost everywhere.
Accommodation:
For accommodation, we mostly slept in our van, which of course cut our costs considerably. However, the unpredictable weather pushed us to book one night in an Airbnb and another in a hotel (yes, van, dog and rain can quickly become hard to handle). We chose the cheapest options, about €50 a night. But you should know this is really entry level, not necessarily well located, and out of season. In season, prices climb quickly and you can expect to pay between €80 and €100 a night, and much more for high-end places (swimming pools and so on).
Transport:
For fuel, prices are more or less the same as in France, with a slight difference of a few cents at some stations.
For parking, depending on whether you are in a more or less touristy or central area, count between €1 and €2 an hour.
Day-to-day spending:
One thing to note in Puglia is that almost everything is paid, including public toilets! Visits to tourist attractions are also almost all paid. It is hard to give an idea of this budget, because it depends on whether you want to visit every castle or not. We did very few visits, because our dog was with us.
Respecting nature on your Puglia road trip
We were saddened by the amount of rubbish we found by the roadside and in some natural places, so a few habits really matter. Take all your rubbish with you and keep it in the van until you find a proper bin. Choose places where staying overnight is accepted, and read the recent reviews on Park4Night before you settle. Leave each spot as you found it, including the water’s edge. If you travel with a dog, carry your own waste bags, because there are no dispensers, and pick up after your dog everywhere. In the Gargano park and the Foresta Umbra, stay on the marked paths and do not pick the wild orchids. The same care applies in high season, when beaches and natural places are under more pressure.
Puglia road trip 7 days
We did a 7-day road trip in Puglia. Unfortunately, the weather did not really let us enjoy the chilled side and the many beaches. So we did a lot of sightseeing, which gives us a very complete overview of the main places listed in Puglia. Below, I say which ones seem essential to us and which are less worth the detour. Those can be replaced by breaks and lazy time. Here is our 7-day Puglia itinerary. It is of course a base and an example to give you ideas.
Here is the route at a glance. Day 1 goes from Bari to Monopoli via Polignano a Mare and Cala Port Alga. You spend day 2 around Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ostuni. Lecce, the Grotta della Poesia and Torre Sant’Andrea fill day 3. On day 4 you drive from Otranto and the Bauxite Caves to Santa Maria di Leuca and Gallipoli. Taranto, Lago di San Giuliano and Matera make up day 5. Day 6 goes from the salt pans to Manfredonia, Monte Sant’Angelo, the Foresta Umbra and Vieste. The last day is for Vieste and a short stop at Lago di Varano.
Day 1 Puglia itinerary: from Bari to Monopoli
Morning in Bari
Our Puglia road trip started in Bari. We had slept a few kilometres from the city, on a spot by the water that we had well earned (see the safety part for the short story). Bari Vecchia, the historic district, was our first stop. It is a maze of charming, winding lanes that plunged us straight into the particular atmosphere of Puglia. We visited the main historic sights, like the Basilica of San Nicola, whose impressive façade evoked centuries of history. The Swabian Castle, one of the largest in Puglia, and the cathedral of San Sabino also gave us a taste of the region’s historic architecture. To enjoy the sea, we took the time for a pleasant walk along the lungomare, right outside the old town.
Lunch and lazing at Polignano a Mare
Then we headed a little further south towards Polignano a Mare, a picturesque village about 40 minutes from Bari. It is a splendour and, from my point of view, the most beautiful village in Puglia. The contrast between the white houses perched on steep cliffs and the azure blue sea was simply stunning. We walked around the old town and all around the central beach to enjoy different viewpoints over the cliffs and unforgettable panoramas. I went down to the beach quickly. It is forbidden to dogs and was already packed with people anyway.
You will find a detailed route to discover Bari in my article Things to do in Bari.
Polignano a Mare is an essential stop.
Cala Port Alga, a small treasure
On the road between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, we came across a small treasure that you will not find in every guide. It was completely by chance (translation: I was looking for a spot for a toilet break). The little harbour of Cala Port Alga is not only a perfect place for a short break by the water. It is also a very pleasant spot to sleep in a van.
Ice cream and a walk in Monopoli
The last visit of the day was Monopoli, another very charming village. The historic centre of Monopoli, with its white cobbled streets, was also a lovely favourite. We happily got lost in this maze of lanes, stopping from time to time to admire points of interest like Charles V Castle, Piazza XX Settembre and the cathedral. The white houses with green shutters and the lanes full of character really gave us the feeling of being in the Puglia we had imagined.
Monopoli is an essential stop and has a few monuments.
Grotta della Cala Tre Buchi
In the late afternoon, we explored Grotta della Cala Tre Buchi, one of the many coves around Monopoli. It was a lovely walk along the cliffs, where we watched the turquoise water dance against the rocks.
Our opinion: this first day of our Puglia road trip was rich in discoveries and adventures, promising even more exciting experiences to come. We managed to “link up” these 3 villages and some pretty little escapes into nature. But the pace will not suit everyone. If you have to choose, either to enjoy one village a bit more or to allow yourself some lazy time, I would say Bari is certainly the destination that convinced us least. The centre is very pleasant, though.
Day 2 Puglia itinerary: from Alberobello to Ostuni
Alberobello, a UNESCO site
I was looking forward to discovering Alberobello, so I set the alarm quite early to enjoy it without having to deal with the crowds. Honestly, for mid-May we did not necessarily need to be in the village at 7:30 sharp. But at least we did not have to pay for parking (every little saving counts).
So we started our day by discovering this village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is rich in trulli, those small houses with a conical roof and a circular base. Alberobello charmed us with its originality. In the morning light, before the tourists gradually arrived, we strolled the lanes. We admired these homes now turned into cafés, shops and even hotels.
Alberobello is an essential stop.
Locorotondo and Cisternino
After leaving Alberobello, we headed for Locorotondo and Cisternino, two more pretty villages of Puglia about fifteen minutes apart. Locorotondo is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It showed us its Cummerse, houses with steep roofs and flat tiles. Then Cisternino welcomed us for an hour’s walk through the old town.
Locorotondo is an essential stop.
Lunch and a walk in Ostuni
For the rest of the day, we headed to Ostuni, nicknamed the “Citta Bianca”, the white city, for its whitewashed façade visible from afar. Walking round let us discover Ostuni cathedral and the bishop’s palace, emblematic sites that deserve a quick look. Ostuni is a real maze of white lanes with nice surprises when you get a little lost.
The church of Santa Maria is perched right at the top. It gives a stunning panoramic view over the whole Itria Valley and the surrounding countryside. The rain somewhat spoiled our late afternoon, so we cut our visit short and continued south to a spot not far from Lecce.
Ostuni is an essential stop.
Our opinion: this second day was marked by the discovery of many magnificent villages, and we walked kilometres through their beautiful lanes. Alberobello is not to be missed, and neither is Ostuni. Between Locorotondo and Cisternino, I would say one of the two can be skipped, and I would rather favour Locorotondo.
Day 3 Puglia itinerary: from Lecce to Otranto
A busy morning in Lecce
Our third day of road trip in Puglia started early, with the morning devoted to visiting Lecce. A guarantee of baroque beauty, Lecce won us over with its charm, its cobbled lanes and its bright light reflected by its soft, golden local stone. We walked mile after mile following the routes suggested by the Tourist Office. It gives a free map to pick up, with several routes to see all the essential monuments and to avoid getting lost in the many mazes and lanes.
Not to be missed: Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the beating heart of the city, where the nicely preserved Roman amphitheatre blends with the busy life of the surrounding cafés and restaurants.
Then Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the majestic Lecce cathedral, the bell tower, the bishop’s palace and the seminary palace. And the Basilica of Santa Croce, a marvel of sculpted detail. We must admit that although we are not big fans of “old stones”, the city has a very pleasant atmosphere and its overall architecture is superb. Around every corner we found palaces and churches that show the historic richness of this baroque city.
Lecce is an essential stop. To take the time to see the main monuments and chill a little, plan at least a full day. For an “express” visit without going into every church, a well-filled half day is enough.
Grotta della Poesia and Torre Sant’Andrea
After this dense morning, we headed to Roca Vecchia despite the gloomy weather, to visit the Grotta della Poesia. The weather was getting worse and worse. But we wanted nature and wide open spaces after spending the last few days visiting many villages.
The Grotta della Poesia is what I would call an “Instagrammable spot” that (in my view) gained its reputation thanks to its looks. Of course, with wind and a pleasant downpour, it is immediately less wow. Out of season we did not pay the entrance fee, which is €2 or €3. In any case the visit is quite quick. To be honest I am rather mixed about this place. It is certainly very pretty, but objectively it remains a pretty cave in the water.
Persevering despite the weather, we then drove a few minutes further south to Torre Sant’Andrea. Here the limestone rock formations plunge boldly into the sea, which makes a nice show. It is not Étretat either, let’s calm down. But the place is ideal for a walk along the steep coast, and it offers nice viewpoints.
The Grotta della Poesia and Torre Sant’Andrea are interesting spots if you feel like getting back to a little nature and seeing some natural wonders.
Sleeping at Baia dei Turchi
At the end of the day, we got back on the road towards our sleeping spot in the car park at Baia dei Turchi. This place, just north of Otranto, is known for its pretty beaches, and as we wandered we saw quite a few surfers.
Our opinion: this third day of our Puglia road trip was a good mix of the cultural, historical and natural diversity of the region. We went from the sumptuous baroque buildings of Lecce to the turquoise water of the Grotta della Poesia, then the rock formations of Torre Sant’Andrea and the soothing calm of Baia dei Turchi. Each part of the day offered a new experience to savour. If you do not necessarily feel like nature or the beach, I advise you to stay all day in Lecce.
Day 4 Puglia itinerary: from Otranto to Gallipoli
Otranto
We started our day with a walk in Otranto, the easternmost town in all of Italy. The ramparts of this fortified city have witnessed a troubled history, particularly in the time of the Crusades. It is a very pleasant town and must be much livelier in the summer season.
Bauxite Caves
Our route then continued to the Bauxite Caves, a natural site near Otranto that amazed us with its surreal colours. The contrast between the red, orange and yellow rocks and the emerald lake in the middle is completely different from the other landscapes of the region. It is a fairly quick walk if you park in the car park a few metres from the viewpoint.
The Bauxite Caves are a nice spot to stretch your legs. There are paths to walk around and keep going a little longer, including a route that seems to go down to the sea.
Santa Maria di Leuca
The rain was starting to get seriously heavier, so we gave up visiting Castro and headed straight for the southernmost point of Puglia: Santa Maria di Leuca. It lies where the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea meet, and the town offers a pretty panorama. It is certainly a very pleasant place for lazing about in summer, but it has little interest in itself. There are a few nice viewpoints and the walk along the beaches is very pleasant. But as you will have understood, it is far from a destination I would call essential, except for the symbol of reaching the south of Puglia.
Gallipoli
After lunch at Santa Maria di Leuca we went on to Gallipoli, which won us over much more! We chose to stroll the charming lanes of Gallipoli, this coastal town on the Ionian Sea known for its island historic centre. The atmosphere of the old town is very pleasant and the different viewpoints are sublime.
Our opinion: this fourth day of our Puglia road trip was quite dense. I would advise you to skip one or two options if you want to stroll or spend time on one of the beaches. I would tend to recommend skipping Santa Maria di Leuca. Again, the destination is certainly nicer in high season. But I think Otranto and Gallipoli also have lovely places to lay your towel, as well as more charming town centres.
Day 5 Puglia itinerary: from Taranto to Matera
Taranto
Day 5 of our Puglia road trip started in Taranto. To be completely honest, it did not leave us a lasting memory. The modern city, with its wide boulevards and many shops, is rather pleasant. The castle, an imposing fortification that gives a glimpse of the region’s historic richness, is also quite beautiful (after days and days of monuments we were also a bit saturated). However, the old town of Taranto is really picturesque. But it is the less sexy side of picturesque.
Lago di San Giuliano
After Taranto, we headed for Lago di San Giuliano, a peaceful natural lake that gave welcome relief after the bustle of the city. Its serene setting and calm water were the ideal place for an improvised picnic break, a moment of quiet in the middle of our busy day.
Matera
The highlight of the day, though, was the visit to Matera, an ancient city that has kept its character over the centuries. For a beautiful view, head to the Murgia Timone viewpoint. It offers an exceptional panorama over the city and its famous “Sassi”, the cave dwellings that go back to prehistoric times.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it now attracts travellers from all over the world, curious to discover this one-of-a-kind city.
Our opinion: apart from Matera, this fifth day of our Puglia road trip was not necessarily exceptional. Taranto did not leave us a very good memory and is one of the destinations I would not necessarily recommend. Again, you are free to form your own opinion, and the modern city remains pleasant. Lago di San Giuliano is a pleasant little corner of nature that can be an interesting stop for a walk or to recharge, but it has no particular attractions. Only Matera is a city that really deserves a stop.
Day 6 Puglia itinerary: from Matera to Vieste
The salt pans
On the road from Matera to the Gargano park, we stopped by the salt pans after seeing some nice photos on Google Maps. Let’s be honest. Whether it was the unfavourable weather or the season, they were closer to muddy brown than to the pretty pink we had seen in some pictures. A shame. But it is still very pleasant to walk along them and watch the rich wildlife, with herons and flamingos strolling in the shallow water.
Manfredonia
We then made a quick stop in Manfredonia, a small port town. It did not offer major attractions, but it was a practical stop on our way to Vieste. And we really needed to do a load of washing. Despite the lack of exceptional sights, the relaxed atmosphere of Manfredonia is pleasant and the town centre rather pretty.
Monte Sant’Angelo
We then headed for Monte Sant’Angelo, a long-standing place of pilgrimage in the heart of the Gargano Park. The town is perched on a hill and has a spectacular view over the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Manfredonia. Its main attraction is the sanctuary of the Archangel Saint Michael, a cave church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims used the Via dei Longobardi, an ancient pilgrimage route linking Spain to Jerusalem. We also took the time to explore other sites in Monte Sant’Angelo, including the Norman-Swabian castle. From there you get a panoramic view over the whole Gargano region.
Monte Sant’Angelo is an essential stop
Foresta Umbra
Then we left Monte Sant’Angelo for a short but charming walk in the Foresta Umbra, a dense, green forest in the heart of the Gargano National Park. There are many hiking trails to enjoy this lush nature, home to exceptional fauna and flora. These include wild orchids that attract botanists from all over the world.
Vieste
Finally, we reached Vieste in the late afternoon. We took the road through the heart of the Foresta Umbra. So we did not enjoy the coastal road linking Manfredonia to Vieste, which seems to offer superb panoramas.
Vieste, with its picturesque charm and its immaculate beaches, was a pleasant surprise. We spent the end of our day walking around the historic centre, stopping here and there to enjoy the viewpoints, the small shops and the local restaurants. The old town of Vieste, with its narrow, winding streets and its white houses perched on the cliffs, is very pleasant.
Vieste is an essential stop
Our opinion: the Gargano park does not appear on all the classic itineraries for a Puglia road trip. And yet it really deserves to be seen, especially if you are looking for a bit more nature. Monte Sant’Angelo and Vieste are clearly two very beautiful destinations. The Foresta Umbra is still a forest (no kidding), but it is very dense and has a very particular atmosphere and light. If you take the same road from Monte Sant’Angelo, you will at least cross it. Manfredonia is certainly the destination you can forget, even if it is on the way.
Day 7 Puglia itinerary: Vieste
After several memorable days on our Puglia road trip, our last day started in the charming town of Vieste. From sunrise, the historic centre of Vieste is dazzling, its whitewashed buildings standing out against the sky (which was blue for once, but did not stay that way for long). We walked the cobbled streets, admiring the small shops, cafés and restaurants.
Then we put on our hiking shoes for a small adventure along the coast. The steep cliffs and secret coves give superb views of Vieste in the distance. We followed a path that wound along the cliffs, giving us plunging views of the emerald sea below.
After our walk, we got back on the road to Lago di Varano. The drive to this lake is quite pleasant, with more beautiful viewpoints. We made a short stop at Lago di Varano. To be transparent, we planned to stay longer. But after seeing many dreadful comments about many spots around, we preferred not to linger!
Puglia road trip FAQ
How long should a Puglia road trip be?
We did our Puglia road trip in 7 days, over about 450 km, starting from Bari. It is enough to see the main stops, from Polignano a Mare to Vieste, but the pace is busy. If you want more beach time, drop a stop or two. The “Our opinion” part at the end of each day tells you which ones we would skip.
Do you need a car for a Puglia road trip?
We travelled in our own van, and a hire car is what we recommend if you do not have one. Distances between the main stops are short. Parking costs about €1 to €2 an hour in touristy or central areas. Keep in mind that the roads are not always well maintained, with potholes on some stretches.
When is the best time for a Puglia road trip?
The best periods are April to June and September to October. We went in mid-May, outside the high season, and the weather was changeable. In season, accommodation climbs quickly and you can expect to pay between €80 and €100 a night, and much more for high-end places with a swimming pool. In high season, some beaches are also private, with an entrance fee for a sun lounger or parasol.
How much does a Puglia road trip cost?
Count about €15 to €20 per person in a restaurant, plus a cover fee of about €2 per person. Takeaway focaccia or pizza slices cost between €2 and €3, and ice creams are generally cheaper. Groceries and fuel cost about the same as in France. Almost everything else is paid, including public toilets and most tourist sites. If you sleep in a van, your accommodation budget drops considerably.
Is Puglia dog friendly?
In our experience, yes. Many beaches seem to accept dogs, except the most popular and smallest ones, like the beach at Polignano a Mare. Tourist sites, museums and churches do not accept dogs. Restaurants and accommodation are generally very welcoming. Bring dog waste bags, because there are no dispensers.
Is it safe to sleep in a van in Puglia?
We found plenty of nice places to sleep, many of them by the water. Our only unpleasant experience was near Barletta, on the night we arrived. Reviews on Park4Night often mention dirt. We also skipped Lago di Varano after reading many comments about break-ins and insecurity. Check the recent reviews before you settle for the night.
Which stops are worth skipping on a Puglia road trip?
Taranto, Manfredonia and Santa Maria di Leuca are the ones I would skip. Between Locorotondo and Cisternino, one of the two can be left out, and I would keep Locorotondo. The stops we marked as essential are Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Lecce, Monte Sant’Angelo and Vieste. Matera is the other stop that really deserves your time.
How should you use this Puglia road trip itinerary?
Treat it as a base and an example to give you ideas, not as a fixed plan. Our weather was poor, so we did a lot of sightseeing. If yours is better, replace some visits with breaks and lazy time at the beach.
Conclusion
That is the end of our adventure in Puglia, a one-week road trip that let us explore the region well despite very difficult weather. For info, there were big floods in Italy, so we did not get off so badly. From the rich, preserved heritage to the contrasting landscapes, and the food that did our summer body no favours, this region was very pleasant.
By van, Puglia gave us a feeling of freedom, with the chance to stop whenever we liked to discover off-the-beaten-track places. The relaxing atmosphere of the region, even in the livelier towns, strengthened this feeling of escape.
In conclusion, our Puglia road trip was a rewarding trip, full of surprises and discoveries. We hope our tips will help you plan your own adventure in this magnificent region.
Related reading: the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike in the Dolomites.